The Lancet Haematology
Dutch RCT (n=865) found that, using the UK tariff for EQ-5D for ascertaining Quality Adjusted Life Years, an individualised strategy was more effective in clinical outcomes and less costly than standard 2 years of elastic stocking compression therapy.
Circulation
This review summarises the mechanisms involved in the high ischaemic and bleeding risk of patients with chronic kidney disease CKD and the risk–benefit ratio of potent antiplatelet drugs during acute coronary syndrome.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
MHRA advises that rivaroxaban treatment in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement should be stopped and switched to standard of care. It notes rivaroxaban is not licensed for thromboprophylaxis in patients with prosthetic heart valves, and should not be used.
Atrial fibrillation, antithrombotic treatment, and cognitive aging: A population-based study
Neurology
Swedish cohort study (n=2685) found AF linked to faster global cognitive decline and an increased risk of all cause dementia in older people (HR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.11–1.77). Use of anticoagulant drugs (but not antiplatelets) may reduce dementia risk in this group (0.40; 0.18–0.92).
Surgery versus thrombolysis for initial management of acute limb ischaemia
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
This updated review (5 RCTs; nil new) concludes there is currently no evidence in favour of either initial thrombolysis or initial surgery as the preferred option in terms of limb salvage, amputation, or death; thrombolysis may be associated with higher risk of complications.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Review of 27 trials found fewer people with dementia (DM) received oral anticoagulation (AC) vs. people without DM (32 v. 48%) but there was no difference in composite of embolic events/MI/all-cause death. People with DM had higher bleeding risk and poorer AC control on warfarin.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 9 studies (n=1,044) found insufficient evidence to demonstrate benefit or harm of using anticoagulants with or without aspirin versus aspirin alone in people with antiphospholipid antibodies and a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and with no such history.
NIHR Signal: Two antiplatelet drugs may prevent further strokes but increase major bleeds
National Institute for Health Research Signal
Expert commentary is provided for an RCT which found that clopidogrel plus aspirin resulted in fewer ischaemic events, but more major bleeds vs aspirin. There may be a place for dual anti-platelets, but UK practice is clopidogrel monotherapy, and the comparator here was aspirin.
British Medical Journal
RCT (n=870) found dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to 6 months was non-inferior to DAPT for 12 months in patients with event-free STEMI at 6 months after primary PCI with second generation drug-eluting stents (HR 0.73, 95% CI, 0.41-1.27, p=0.26, and p=0.004 for non-inferiority).
Circulation
Analysis of 4 substudies found no difference in stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, or death linked to procedures requiring temporary interruption of DOACs /warfarin (WF). For procedures using uninterrupted anticoagulation, DOACs had 38% lower risk of major bleeding vs. WF.
Anticoagulation for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in people with cancer
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review (20 RCTs; n=9771) found no difference between perioperative thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) vs unfractionated heaparin and LMWH vs fondaparinux in their effects on mortality, thromboembolic outcomes, major bleeding, or minor bleeding.
The Lancet Haematology
Sub group analysis (n=534) found that rivaroxaban was associated with fewer recurrent stroke events than aspirin (4.8 versus 2.6 events/100 person-years) but this effect was not statistically significant.
Rivaroxaban vs warfarin in high-risk patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Blood
This study comparing rivaroxaban and warfarin (target INR 2.5) in high-risk patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome was terminated prematurely (120 patients enrolled) due to an excess of events in the rivaroxaban group (19% v 3% with warfarin).
Biospace Inc.
Approval was based on data from the Phase III HAVEN 3 and HAVEN 4 trials, which showed it was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in treated bleeds compared to no prophylaxis. In the EU it is currently approved only for use in patients with factor VIII inhibitors.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
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Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 5 RCTs (n=666) found low‐certainty evidence that either continuation or discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy before non‐cardiac surgery may make little or no difference to mortality, bleeding requiring surgical intervention, or ischaemic events.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Following the recent license extension of Actilyse® (alteplase) to include adolescents of 16-17 years in the acute ischaemic stroke indication, Boehringer Ingelheim is requesting collection of further data on safety and efficacy in this population.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Review of 10 studies notes in studies reporting clinician preference, DOACs were 1st choice over warfarin in naïve patients based on perceptions of evidence of effectiveness equivalent/superior to warfarin and superior safety. There were concerns about managing over-anticoagulation.
Annals of Internal Medicine
Markov model decision analysis (n=33,434) with warfarin as base case, and DOACs modeled in secondary analysis found variation in published AF stroke rates for patients not on anticoagulants results in multifold variation in net clinical benefit of anticoagulation.
Circulation
RCT prematurely terminated after enrolling 696 patients in 38 months did not establish non-inferiority of oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone to combined OAC and antiplatelet therapy in patients with AF and stable coronary artery disease beyond 1 year after stenting.
Stroke
Analysis of pharmacy claims data found increased oral anticoagulant use (from 51.6% to 73.8%) contributed to marked reduction of ischaemic strokes (2.01/100 person-years in 2012 to 1.17 in 2017; incidence rate ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52–0.65) without increasing bleeding rates.
Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants for Mechanical Heart Valves: Is the Door Still Open?
Circulation
Mechanical valves currently pose absolute contraindication to DOACs based on results of single phase II study (RE-ALIGN). Article calls on several aspects of both preclinical studies and RE-ALIGN to be critically re-evaluated to identify patients most likely to benefit from DOACs.
AF screening: who is calling the tune?
Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
Editorial highlights need to recognise gaps in evidence for population screening (PS), uncertainty over harm:benefit ratio of anticoagulation in people at lower risk, impact of labelling people with AF diagnosis, and guard against industry-led incremental drift to widespread PS.
The Lancet
This RCT (n=65) demonstrated that vorapaxar, a licensed inhibitor of proteinase activated receptor-1, had no effect on D-dimer concentrations in HIV-infected patients receiving stable antiretroviral therapy but at risk of poor outcomes.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
There were no eligible trials in people on continuous DOAC treatment. For vitamin K antagonists (4 studies; n=253) there seems to be a beneficial effect of locally applied tranexamic acid; however definitive conclusions cannot be made due to limitations of the evidence.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Gastroenterology
The ADAPT-1 and ADAPT-2 RCTs reported superiority of avatrombopag vs placebo in reducing need for platelet transfusions or rescue procedures for bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia and chronic liver disease undergoing a scheduled procedure.
Anticoagulation for the long‐term treatment of venous thromboembolism in people with cancer
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 16 RCTs (n= 5167) found evidence showing that low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) vs. vitamin K antagonists probably produces an important reduction in venous thromboembolism (VTE); and DOACs vs. LMWH, may likely reduce VTE but may increase risk of major bleeding.
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Study reports childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for VTE across their lifespan and a diagnosis of VTE increases mortality risk. Late VTE incidence among survivors and siblings was 1.1 and 0.5 events /1000 person-years, respectively (RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7 to 2.8).
Effect of Aspirin on All-Cause Mortality in the Healthy Elderly
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=19,114) found an increased risk of death from any cause for aspirin vs placebo (12.7 vs 11.1 events/1000 person-years, HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29). Cancer was the major contributor to higher mortality with aspirin accounting for 1.6 excess deaths/1000 person-years.
Effect of Aspirin on Cardiovascular Events and Bleeding in the Healthy Elderly
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=19,114) found no difference in rate of cardiovascular disease for aspirin vs placebo (10.7 vs 11.3 events/1000 person-years, HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83-1.08). Major haemorrhage was more common with aspirin (8.6 vs 6.2 events/1000 person years, 1.38, 1.18-1.62).
Effect of Aspirin on Disability-free Survival in the Healthy Elderly
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=19,114) found no difference in the composite rate of death, dementia and persistent physical disability for aspirin vs placebo (21.5 vs 21.2 events/1000 person-years, HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92-1.11). Major haemorrhage was more common with aspirin (3.8% vs 2.8%, 1.38, 1.18-1.62).
Coagulation Test Interpretation in a Patient Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy
Journal of the American Medical Association
This short review, in the form of a case vignette, highlights that DOAC-specific coagulation tests such as anti-Xa assay and dilute thrombin time may help guide clinical decisions in bleeding patients or in those requiring urgent surgery. Time of last dose needs to be considered.
Anesthesiology
Review found concentrate was consistently shown to reduce INR rapidly and control bleeding effectively. In studies vs. plasma, it was linked to more patients achieving target INRs rapidly, with improved haemostasis, and no differences in thromboembolic event rates were seen.
European Heart Journal
In a large population-based sample of individuals with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, current and past use of antithrombotics was linked to intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) in carotid artery plaques. Longer duration of use and higher doses were linked higher frequency of IPH.
The Lancet
RCT (n=12,546; EC aspirin 100mg/d vs. placebo) found event rate was much lower than expected, making study more representative of a low-risk population, and role of aspirin in primary prevention could therefore not be addressed in patients at moderate risk of CVD.
European Medicines Agency
Damoctocog is a recombinant human factor VIII which replaces the missing coagulation factor VIII needed for effective haemostasis. It will be available as powder and solvent for solution for injection (250 IU, 500 IU, 1000 IU, 2000 IU and 3000 IU).
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Effect of apixaban compared with warfarin on coagulation markers in atrial fibrillation
Heart
Biomarker substudy (n=4850) suggests in situation without acute increased coagulation activity (e.g AF), apixaban reduces coagulation markers D-dimer and fragment 1+2 to lower degree vs. warfarin, which seems enough to protect against stroke without increasing bleeding risk.
Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
New England Journal of Medicine
Review covers atopic diseases, COX-1 inhibitor reactions, medical history, prevalence, non-aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, NSAID hypersensitivity, pathological and pharmacopathological features, medical/surgical treatment, aspirin (AS) desensitisation and AS treatment.
Anticoagulation for people with cancer and central venous catheters
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
This review (13 RCTs; n=3420) found moderate-certainty evidence that LMWH reduces catheter‐related venous thromboembolism (CR-VTE); evidence was inconclusive for LMWH effects on mortality and effects of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) on mortality or CR-VTE, and for LMWH versus VKA.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment: Q1 2018/19
NHS Improvement
This reports details the official statistics for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment in England for providers for quarter 1 2018/19 (April to June 2018).
Specialist Pharmacy Service
Q+A notes none are specifically licensed for this use and good evidence is lacking, however, benefit of anticoagulant prophylaxis may outweigh risks in those at high risk of developing thromboses during a long haul flight; this use has been suggested by several national bodies.
National Institute for Health Research
Trial that was stopped early (n=3096) found use of 3 antiplatelets (intensive: aspirin [AS], clopidogrel, [CP], dipyridamole [DP]) is linked to increased bleeding without significant reduction in recurrence of stroke/TIA vs. guideline antiplatelet agents (AS and DP, or CP alone).
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
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Revised SPCs: Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
electronic Medicines compendium
SPC revised to include a new indication; co-administration with acetylsalicylic acid for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease or symptomatic peripheral artery disease at high risk of ischaemic events.
Journal of Clinical Oncology
RCT (n=2,373) reports preemptive addition of hydroxycarbamide to aspirin did not reduce vascular events (VE) and incidence of significant VE was low (0.93 per 100 patient-years [95% CI, 0.61 to 1.41)]). If platelet count is < 1,500 × 109/L cytoreductive therapy is not indicated.
Biospace Inc.
A new analysis (n=19,134) found 19% fewer deaths in patients initiated on NOACs than VKAs at the time of diagnosis of AF (aHR 0.81 [95% CI 0.71- 0.92]; p<0.001).
Antifibrinolytics for heavy menstrual bleeding
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 13 RCTs (n=1312) found antifibrinolytics (such as tranexamic acid) appears effective for treating heavy menstrual bleeding vs. placebo, NSAIDs, oral luteal progestogens, ethamsylate, or herbal remedies, but may be less effective than levonorgestrel intrauterine system.
Effects of Aspirin for Primary Prevention in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=15,480) found aspirin prevented serious vascular events in diabetic patients and no CVD (8.5 v. 9.6%; rate ratio 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97; p=0.01) but also caused major bleeding (4.1 v 3.2% 1.29; 1.09-1.52; p=0.003); absolute benefits were outweighed by bleeding hazard.
Rivaroxaban for Thromboprophylaxis after Hospitalization for Medical Illness
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=12,024) found rivaroxaban given to medical patients for 45 days after hospital discharge was not linked to a significantly lower risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism and death due to venous thromboembolism than placebo (0.83% rivaroxaban vs. 1.10% placebo; p=0.14).
Rivaroxaban in Patients with Heart Failure, Sinus Rhythm, and Coronary Disease
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=5022) found rivaroxaban 2.5mg twice daily was not linked to significantly lower rate of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke than placebo among patients with worsening chronic heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, coronary artery disease, and no AF.
The Lancet
RCT (n=15,968) found ticagrelor (TC) plus aspirin for 1 month followed by TC alone for 23 months was not superior to 12 months of standard dual antiplatelets followed by 12 months of aspirin alone in prevention of all-cause mortality or new Q-wave MI 2 years after PCI.
US FDA approves Jivi (recombinant factor VIII concentrate) for haemophilia A
Biospace Inc.
It has been approved for use in previously treated adults and adolescents (≥12 years) for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes, perioperative management of bleeding, and routine prophylaxis to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Blood Loss after Vaginal Delivery
New England Journal of Medicine
In women with vaginal delivery at 35+ weeks' gestation who received prophylactic oxytocin (n=3891), use of tranexamic acid (1g IV) was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in postpartum haemorrhage (8.1% v 9.8% placebo; RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.6-1.01).
European Heart Journal
This updated joint consensus document discusses the optimal antithrombotic therapy management of this patient group, considering new guidelines published since 2014, and the availability of new drugs, devices, and interventional techniques.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 13 RCTs (n=35,997) found increased prescription of prophylaxis associated with alerts and multifaceted interventions, and increased prescription of appropriate prophylaxis linked to alerts. Analysis was underpowered to assess effect on mortality and safety outcomes.
Uterotonic agents for preventing postpartum haemorrhage: a network meta‐analysis
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Analysis of 140 RCTs (n=88,947) found ergometrine (EG) + oxytocin (OX) combination, carbetocin, and misoprostol + OX were more effective for preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) ≥500 mL than current standard OX. EG +OX was more effective for preventing PPH ≥1000 mL than OX.
Haemostatic therapies for acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 12 RCTs (n=1732) was unable to draw firm conclusions about efficacy and safety of antifibrinolytic drugs for acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and clotting factors vs. fresh frozen plasma for acute spontaneous ICH associated with anticoagulant drug use.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
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electronic Medicines compendium
Information has been added on weight based dosing as has warning that in patients with existing CV risk factors, substitiution therapy with FVIII may increase CV risk. ADR data from trial in treatment naïve patients, aged 0 to 6 years have been added.
Revised SPC: Xarelto (rivaroxaban) 2.5 mg film-coated tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
DRESS syndrome and anaphylactic reactions have been added to SPC as adverse effects. SPC has been amended to advise interaction with fluconazole/erythromycin/clarythromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients.
JAMA Neurology
Review of 5 RCTS (n=39,398) found 15 to 20mg dose of rivaroxaban (RV) once daily is linked to increased risks of intracranial haemorrhage vs. aspirin (2 trials; OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.42-7.72), while smaller daily doses of RV and apixaban were not, suggesting dose dependent risk.
Revised SPC: Eliquis (apixaban) 2.5 mg film-coated tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
The SPC has been updated to advise that care should be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with SSRIs or SNRIs, due to the increased bleeding risk.
Effect of aspirin in vascular surgery in patients from a randomized clinical trial (POISE‐2)
British Journal of Surgery
RCT (n=10,010) found that perioperative withdrawal of chronic aspirin therapy did not increase cardiovascular or vascular occlusive complications (HR for death or MI = 1.48, 95% CI 0.71-3.09 for aneurysm repair and 1.16, 0.62-2.17 for surgery for occlusive vascular disease).
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Revised SPC: Brilique (ticagrelor) products
electronic Medicines compendium
Timing of discontinuation of ticagrelor prior to elective surgery has been changed from 7 to 5 days.
Circulation
This review aims to provide a brief summary on physiology of haemostasis, review key studies on DOAC safety and efficacy in AF catheter ablation, and identify current gaps in knowledge on intraprocedural anticoagulation and monitoring.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services